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Le Central, San Francisco, CA

Le Central

4.6
4.6
2176 Reviews
$31 to $50
French
453 Bush St., San Francisco, CA 94108

Make a reservation

2 people
8:00 PM
Booked 15 times today

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
Opened in 1974, Le Central has been serving traditional French cuisine for five decades, boasting the honor of being San Francisco’s most historic French bistro. Located on the edge of the Financial District, Union Square, and Chinatown in a rare one story brick building adorned with its iconic pink neon sign and crowned by a vintage “Tabac” sign. Step into this charming restaurant and be transported to a Parisian brasserie. With exposed brick walls, original imported brass bar, stained glass features, and cozy banquettes topped with brass railings. The atmosphere invites you to unwind and enjoy delicious French fare and exceptional wines and cocktails in an upscale, yet casual environment. Enjoy French classics like steak-frites, escargot, onion soup, and our world famous Cassoulet. Le Central’s cuisine is comforting yet sumptuous. Le Central is the downtown stop for locals and visitors looking for a taste of “La Belle Vie”!!!

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    French
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–2:30 pm Happy Hour Mon–Sat 4:30 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (415) 391-2233
  • Website
    http://www.lecentralbistro.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Private party facilities
    Le Central is available for private events, please visit our website for inqueries. https://www.lecentralbistro.com
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
  • Location
    453 Bush St., San Francisco, CA 94108
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown / Union Square
  • Cross street
    Grant and Kearny
  • Parking details
    Sutter-Stockton Garage
  • Public transit
    Powell or Montgomery stations
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 2,176 people are saying

Le Central reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Le Central delights with "outstanding traditional French cuisine," featuring "excellent food and service." Known for its "classic French bistro experience," it combines a warm ambiance with "delicious food and thoughtful service." The "cassoulet" and "beef bourguignon" are must-tries, enhanced by a "terrific wine selection." Perfect for a "lovely evening" or "business lunch."
2,176 Reviews

  1. Maria

    San Francisco1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food! Casual but elegant at the same time!

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  2. Michael VIP

    San Francisco30 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on March 30, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Although service was adequate , it was not up to what one would expect from a French restaurant. I have been a customer for years and it has changed.

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  3. Dmitry

    Phoenix4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 30, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    We had a lovely dinner for two, shared cassoulet and goat cheese salad with wine. Very tasty though a little bit pricy (everything became expensive in US). The place is crowded and narrow. Rather noisy as you hear everything spoken at the next tables, literally a foot away. All in all good dinner.

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  4. Kenneth VIP

    St. Louis137 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on March 29, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    First dinner at Le Central. Nice atmosphere. Everyone in our group was very happy with what they ordered.

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  5. Tom VIP

    San Francisco19 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 29, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Just an excellent evening. Great food amazing service and a perfect time!

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  6. Rodney VIP

    San Francisco9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 29, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Exceptional meal, service, and ambience! Thank you. We’ll be back again soon. A special treat.

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  7. Janine VIP

    San Francisco16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding and delicious as always! Thank you very much!

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  8. Tim

    San Francisco15 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    LOVE this spot. Excellent food. The mushroom soup was one of the best soup's we've ever had. Great atmosphere, polished staff. Highly recommended.

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  9. Stuart

    San Francisco4 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on March 21, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great spot for a quiet dinner on Union Square. Highly recommend for business and pleasure.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Went for after 8 pm dining... great selection. No problem splitting food so you could try more things. Waiter was very helpful.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Le Central using the Order Online button.

Le Central is rated 4.6 stars by 2176 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area
  4. San Francisco
  5. Downtown / Union Square

Make a reservation

2 people
8:00 PM
Booked 15 times today
Google Map for Le Central

453 Bush St., San Francisco, CA 94108

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Grant and Kearny
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown / Union Square
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–2:30 pm Happy Hour Mon–Sat 4:30 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    French
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Sutter-Stockton Garage
  • Public transit
    Powell or Montgomery stations
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
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